AAC Myths and Facts


MYTHFACT

AAC reduces motivation to attempt speech.


Research shows that AAC does NOT hinder speech development.

In fact, it facilitates development of natural speech. *


AAC IS A LAST RESORT - INTRODUCED ONLY WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS.

◦AAC is NOT a last resort. It can be offered along with Speech therapy. 

◦Withholding AAC leads to frustration and limits language development.


YOUNG CHILDREN ARE NOT READY FOR AAC.

Earlier the better! 

  • Early implementation of AAC aids the development of natural speech & language. 
  • AAC improves emotional, social and cognitive, behavioural areas

Ability to express basic needs means AAC is not needed.

Communication goes way beyond requesting! 

    Ability to express thoughts, wants, ideas, feelings empowers and leads to all-round development.


Children need to have a set of prerequisite skills to start using AAC.

First, there are NO prerequisites skills (cognitive, motor, language) for AAC use.

    Every child should have access to AAC systems that promote effective communication.



* Research Finding: 
"The present research review provides important preliminary evidence that augmentative and alternative communication interventions do not inhibit speech production; instead, AAC may also support speech production.”


Research reference:
"The Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on the Speech Production of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: A Research Review" by Diane C. Millar, Janice C. Light and Ralf W. Schlosser in Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, April 2006, Vol. 49, 248-264. doi:10.1044/1092-4388(2006/021)


Myths and Facts Posters 

The same posters are available for download as a PDF (see attachment below). 








                                                

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